Describes a reading program for gifted middle school readers designed to increase critical reading ability and student appreciation of literary technique and broaden understanding of sophisticated vocabulary. (MLF)

Discusses experiences of team teaching a sixth grade collaborative mathematics class that included special needs students. Discusses class assignments and the use of portfolio grading, and the success of special needs students in completing homework and working collaboratively. (JPB)

Reflects on the "collusive" teamwork required of teachers who share the responsibility and pleasure of teaching 59 sixth graders with diverse educational needs. In a traditional school, many of these students would leave the regular classroom for assistance, appearing "uncool" to others. These teachers' encouragement and…

Writers' workshops are a type of small-group interaction designed to provide middle school students with a forum for sharing their writings and receiving direct and functional feedback to support their rethinking and revising. Students in one sixth-grade class learned that other students could comment as insightfully on their writing as their…

Discusses outdoor education to improve student participation and learning in skill and subject areas. Relates outdoor education to constructivism, flexible scheduling, hands-on experiences, performance-based standards, multiple intelligences, cooperative learning, and interdisciplinary curriculum. Lists Web sites related to outdoor education. (DLH)